Late models face final tuneup at Macon Speedway Saturday before St. Louis U-Pic-A-Part 100

MACON, Ill. – It’s a big night of racing for the UMP late models at Macon Speedway Saturday. After a stirring duel in Big Ten Series late models last weekend, the high-powered racers return to the high-banked fifth-mile oval along with Big Ten Series street stocks.

The late models face an important time on the track, because not only is it another popular late model night at Macon Speedway but also the last chance the local drivers get a chance to dial in their cars prior to the St. Louis U-Pic-A-Part 100 in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on May 1. The St. Louis U-Pic-A-Part 100 pays $12,000 to win, and that battle will take place between the national starts, the regional hot shoes and the Macon Speedway local aces who want to find a spot in the field.

The first-place prize isn’t the only big payday in the St. Louis U-Pic-A-Part 100. It also pays $1,000 to start the 100-lap feature. So the drivers who call Macon Speedway home will take aim on getting into the field, then making a run for the big money.

That’s why the seat time on Macon Speedway Saturday became so important. The talented local drivers want to get a final shakedown before the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series arrives in town. Last weekend, Ryan Little held off defending Big Ten champ Steve Sheppard Jr. for the feature win in a thrilling battle that brought the crowd to its feet.

It’s also Driver/Sponsor Appreciation Night at Macon Speedway. CEFCU Kid’s Club will entertain kids 11 years old and younger. The club is free and meets roughly once a month. A themed “party’’ is set for each and every month so kids can play and learn. The Easter Bunny will also play with the kids.

Macon Speedway is one of the Midwest’s most famous dirt racing facilities. Co-owned by promoter Bob Sargent and NASCAR stars Tony Stewart, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace, the track is a fan favorite for the layout that creates plenty of wheel-to-wheel action. Macon Speedway is located nine miles south of Decatur on U.S. 51, then 0.6 miles west on Andrews Street, then south to 205 N. Wiles. Macon Speedway hosts racing every Saturday night, plus many weeknight specials.